A marathon is 26.2 miles of constant movement. Something like that requires hard work and strenuous training, and this is something that Zack Kauffman ‘21 knows very well. In the latter half of 2021, Zack was intensively training in preparation for a marathon. After noticing an abnormal amount of fatigue, he decided to get a blood test. It wasn’t long before he got a call back from his doctor and was later diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), an early stage of blood cancer, leukemia.
Zack had graduated in 2021 and was a new alum to Sigma Chi. He describes his fellow brothers as a great support system. Looking back on his time in Sigma Chi, Zack says he chose to join the fraternity, because he could tell immediately that the people there were different than in other fraternities. He was greeted with friendliness, professionalism, and a group where he felt like he belonged. Zack noted that “people you hang out with every day shape you into who you are.” He was able to grow academically, professionally, and socially through his time in Sigma Chi. Having had several members of the fraternity reach out to him in the last few months, Zack successfully hit remission and chose to take the initiative to help others fighting the same disease.
Alongside Ethan Forrest ‘21, a fellow University of Maryland class of 2021 Sigma Chi graduate, Zack has developed a two-man charity team called Pursuit of Hoppiness. The group’s goal is to develop an atmosphere for people to meet, participate in physical activity together, spread awareness on Leukemia, raise funds, and even grab a drink after they are done. Zack says “after seeing those in less fortunate circumstances and those having a tougher battle trying to fight this disease, I just wanted to make a difference and help the lives of people who are being impacted or will be impacted in the future. Since I discovered my cancer because of my running, I wanted to fight and overcome it by running.” Zack stresses the importance of physical activity and knowing your body. “The mission of the Pursuit of Hoppiness is to have a culture where everyone feels in tune with their body.” Early diagnosis is crucial in treating any cancer and knowing your own body can be a huge factor in the findings. Leukemia is the most diagnosed cancer among children and teens. Through Pursuit of Hoppiness and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), they hope to “reduce toxic therapies, introduce one-on-one support services, and provide financial assistance to these children and their families.”
They have set a monetary goal of $100,000 to donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). After just three events, Pursuit of Hoppiness has already raised about $30,000 towards that goal! There are high hopes for their upcoming fundraiser, the Hoppy Hustle Charity Walk. Zack even describes events including games, food, silent auctions, 50/50 raffles, drinks, and a fun atmosphere for friends and families to gather. While they are located in the Washington, DC and Baltimore area, Pursuit of Hoppiness is reaching out to other areas along the east coast to share more about the cause.
With ambitious and genuine goals for Pursuit of Hoppiness, Zack explains how fellow Sigma Chi brothers can help from anywhere in the world. “Spread the cause. You don’t need to donate. Spreading the link to website, and it could touch someone personally or reach someone that wants to be involved.” He is open to fundraising ideas from anyone and encourages other chapters of Sigma Chi to reach out and get involved. His most recent endeavor is creating a podcast with the simple goal to inspire people and promote mental toughness through adversity. His most recent interview with wrestler Kyle Snyder is available to listen to and share on their website.
Zack concluded by saying “Stay positive. Surround yourself with a great support system like I have found with Sigma Chi.” Stories, events, and contact information can be found at www.pursuitofhoppiness.co
